Overwhelmed in Paris: Send Rosé !

Plus a Replay of Our First-Ever La Flâneuse Creative Meetup and Silly French Vajayjay Talk, If You Like That Kind of Thing

Salut les cuties,

Before I get into this quick update (along with a fun invitation), j’aimerais bien dire un petit mot (I’d just like to say a quick word) to welcome all the new folks who’ve recently joined us. I know I speak for all of us when I say, we are so happy to have you! Bienvenue !

Well, the overwhelm over here chez moi in Paris is real. Just last week as many of you know, I auditioned for a jazz band in Paris (with no prior singing experience). I cannot thank everyone enough for the incredible outpouring of support and encouragement. It really really helped, and you’re the best. Mais je suis épuisée ( But I’m exhausted) from the effort that took just to pump myself up, prepare, and keep it together haha.

Sometimes I’m a minimalist. Right now, not so much 😂. But it’s a charming chaos, no? Each object in this photo on my desk and on the wall has a special meaning or purpose. Also, I love candles on my desk, even in the middle of the day. They add a bit of reverence to my workspace, and the soft light lifts my spirits.

This Just In: Latest La Flâneuse Poll Results

I also want to send out a big thank-you to those of you who answered the poll around impostor syndrome. Is it odd to say I was happily surprised to see that “only” 75% experienced that feeling of not belonging in the room at some point?

Such was not the case for me that Sunday morning in the music studio. But in that terrifying moment, I knew I couldn’t run away, even if staying meant failing, because honnêtement (honestly), I couldn’t bear the idea of coming here and telling you I didn’t at least try for my dream.

Could the 14% of you who said you don’t really have this issue please share your tips for avoiding or overcoming feelings of self-doubt?

Thanks to All Who Joined Me for the First-ever Online La Flâneuse Meet-ups

After all that jazz, I hosted two new online events here that were each absolutely delightful. The first was a very vulnerable and inspiring conversation with four creative muses at differing stages of life and living in very different places. I was bowled over that so many people signed up, and by the notes I got afterwards from those who joined and enjoyed it.

It was such a success, and so much fun, I intend to do more of this type of thing. If you like, you can scrollllll down and watch the video replay ⬇️ The muses shared their doubts, their tips for solving creative dilemmas, and some books that have inspired them. As a result, right now I’m reading Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act. It’s just what every artistic heart needs to hear. And that’s every heart.

Creative Co-working Yay!

I’m all about making dreams a priority in 2025.

So I did something about it. I hosted another (free) meet-up designed to help us all move our fondest dreams forward. Special thanks to those of you who joined me for an hour of “creative co-working” where we all brought something special we wanted to give our attention to for some dedicated time. We chatted about each of our projects, and then set a timer for forty minutes. We worked together, each doing our own thing, and then had a lovely short conversation at the end to share how it went.

What the heck were we working on? I was delighted to see such a cool mix, including:

• Writing novels and a marketing brand book

• Studying tarot cards

• Building a new business website step-by-step

• Starting to draw again after some time away from the practice

• Just taking time to dream and think deeply

• And me? I’m still plugging away on my new psychological thriller, set in France of course!

All agreed. It was ✨magical✨

So magical in fact, we’re going to do it again next week, on Wednesday February 26. If you’d like to join us, come on over here for a look. You’ll be one of the first to take part in this very special creative club (It’s called Le Salon by La Flâneuse), and I’ll be working right alongside you.

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I’m keeping the group fairly small so that we really have a chance to connect with each other—that was everyone’s favorite part, along with the electric energy we all felt in our shared presence while working on our dreams. Hope to see you there!

Dinner with Beautiful Friends in Paris

Did I mention I had an epic evening—un petit apéro suivi du dîner (a little drink followed by dinner)—with my fun friends from the American Women’s group of Paris? We were hosted by a charming little resto in a super-sweet neighborhood not far from Le Bon Marché. It’s called Ô Cocher, and you might put it on your Paris list if you’re looking for an authentic, un-fancy spot for lunch or dinner. Simple, delicious food, side-splitting laughter and plenty of tasty wine.

Operation Overwhelm: How to Know What to Do Next in Life

OK, I typed that headline almost without thinking, as if I was going to have a miracle solution for us all. But in fact, I’m actively seeking this answer every day now.

Part of why I’m overwhelmed is that lately—happily!—I’ve received a number of offers for interesting new work projects. The possibilities are exciting, but I must choose some things over others because there simply isn’t enough time in the day, especially since my relationship with work has changed so much after moving to France. Also, I have an adorable French husband (we call him Monsieur B) who likes to take me places.

The Unexpected Joys of Working in France

Just wanted to share that here, as I struggle with saying no to things that interest me, and and sometimes a ‘yes’ is not best. Do you know what I mean? I’m going to try to follow my own advice and give myself some time to connect with my instincts this weekend, to see how I feel about each of the things I’m considering so that I can clear my path a bit.

Part of me keeps repeating, “You better choose wisely,” but in the end, we have to give ourselves an out if whatever we do choose doesn’t fit. C’est pas la fin du monde. (It’s not the end of the world.)

So I’m going to grant myself some time to think about what feels right, right now, and some leeway to be kind to myself if I can’t do it all, or if it doesn’t work out. I hope you can do the same for yourself.

This Weekend You Could…

Invite friends over for a French-style apéro. Here’s how to do it, and you could make this simple, show-stopping Tarte au Soleil (Sun Tart) to really up your game.

Recette: Tarte au Soleil (Sun Tart)

Get your francophile fantasy on by following the travels of

Betty Carlson

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Put on pajamas, make a pot of this delicious Warm Winter White Bean Stew and work on your (slightly) dirty French by watching France’s most famous female comedian, Florence Foresti, talk about her vajayjay, sometimes with an Italian accent.

Work out like a maniac, then consult the world’s most deliciously comprehensive “Index of Salad” from the inimitable

emily nunn

.

Read this lovely piece from fiber arts maven Kathryn Vercillo on crafting in tiny increments to help yourself heal.

Or just take extra naps and stare quietly out the window, like a cat 🐈

Fun French Fact: The title of this vajayjay-forward French standup routine ⬆️ is, “Who is the stylist who designed this thing?” 🤭

Whatever you do, prends soin de toi (take care of yourself) and spend a little time dreaming.

A bientôt les ami(e)s 💋

Karen